Do you know ultra processed foods?

Processed foods are those whereingredients such as oil,sugar or salt are added and they are packaged

Ultra- processed food takes this process one step further by incorporating preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. These foods go through multiple processes (extrusion, molding, milling)and contain many added ingredients and are highly manipulated

The NOVA classification

(NOVA is a name and not an acronym)

It’s a classification system that was developed by an international panel of food scientists and researchers. It splits foods into four categories according to the extent and purpose of food processing, 

It specifies which foods belong in which group, and provides precise definitions of the types of processing underlying each group.

Minimally processed

processed culinary ingredients

Processed foods

Ultra processed foods and drinks

Minimally processed foods:

vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits,nuts, meats, seafood, spices,eggs and milk

Processed foods:

These foods have been altered, but not in a way that’s detrimental to health. They are convenient and help you build nutritious meals.: These are Simple bread, cheese, tofu, canned vegetables, canned fish, yogurt, smoked meat

Ultra-processed foods:

Formulation of food substances modified by chemical processes and then assembled into "ready to consume" hyper palatable food and drink products using flavors, colors, emulsifiers and other cosmetic additives 

• Industrial processes include hydrogenation, hydrolysis, extrusion, moulding, reshaping, and pre-processing by frying. Flavoring agents, colors, emulsifiers, humectants, non-sugar sweeteners,  

• These foods are microbiologically safe, convenient, and highly palatable.

  The aim is to create durable, convenient and palatable ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat food products suitable to be consumed as snacks 

 Ultra-processed foods 

• Higher content of total fat, saturated fat, added sugar, 
• High calories
• High salt, 
• Lower fibre and vitamin density,   
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• Which foods are ultra processed?

• Mass produced packaged breads and buns,
• Sweet or savory packaged snacks, 
• confectionery and desserts,
• Soft drinks
• Sweetened beverages,
• Chocolates
• Meatballs, poultry and fish nuggets,
• Sweetened breakfast cereals
• Packaged soups
• Chicken nuggets
• Hot dogs
• Reconstituted meat products transformed with the addition of preservatives other than salt (eg, nitrites),
• Chips
• Instant noodles and soups, 
• frozen or shelf stable ready meals, 

Health risks

Increased cardiovascular risk:
Elevated cholesterol, 
Hypertension
Obesity

• These foods might affect satiety control  
•  food processing affects nutrient availability in the small intestine by altering the properties of the plant and animal cells in food. 
• several compounds are neo formed and unhealthy during the process . 

Our food habits are changing

Processed foods:

Food that has been altered in some way during preparation.

It can be as basic as freezing, canning, baking,and drying 

What are the processed foods?

• breakfast cereals
• Cheese

• tinned vegetables
• bread
• savory snacks, such as crisps, sausage rolls, pies  
• Bacon, sausage, ham, salami 
• "convenience foods", such as microwave meals 
• cakes and biscuits 
• Milk and soft drinks

Refined foods:




They are highly processed foods that have been stripped of their original nutrient content and fiber.

 White bread

 Crackers

 Cookies (made with refined wheat flour)

 Instant oatmeal

 Rice cakes

 White pasta

 White rice

Junk foods (More junk than food)

This term, dates back to the 1950s, These foods are high in calories from sugar or fat, with little dietary fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals. 
 The term 'junk food' is now replaced by the term HFSS foods.( high in fat, sugar and salt)  They are made from white flour and refined white sugar. (white bread,and cakes)

junk food provides empty calories,but none of the protein, vitamins, or minerals required for a nutritious diet.

Many foods, such as hamburgers,pizza,and tacos can be either healthy or junk food, depending on their ingredients and preparation methods.The more highly processed items usually fall under the junk food category, including breakfast cereals that are mostly sugar or high fructose corn syrup

Fast foods:

It is a type of mass-produced food designed with an emphasis on "speed of service" (Drive - through outlets) 

Fast food began in Britain in 1860 with the first fish and chip shops The term "fast food" was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam -Webster in 1951.

Fast food was originally created for the customers who did not have the time to sit down at a restaurant and wait for their meal. speed of service was the priority. Food can be taken home for the family. In U.S. the traditional family dinner is being replaced by the  takeaway fast food. 

Fast food has become a multi billion dollar industry.

Ready to eat foods:

Foods that have been prepared can be consumed as is, without any additional cooking,These foods can be refrigerated. They are shelf-stable, require minimal heating or are served hot. 

Soft-serve ice cream.
Hot dogs, luncheon meats, 
cold cuts.
Precooked chicken .

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• Adverse effects:
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• Too much sodium, added sugars, unhealthy fats, cooking oils, trans fats, preservatives,and calories.

No dietary fiber which is obtained from cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables

When children watch more  television (and advertisements on fast food), they are more inclined to ask for fast foods . 

Fast food restaurants advertisements target Children.

Negative impact on the health and academic performance of students. 

• Increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, colorectal cancer and depression.
  

  • Frequent consumption lowers insulin sensitivity
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  • Consumers tend to eat too much, Those who have satisfied their appetite with junk food are less likely to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables
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  When did you have this meal last?

  
  
  

  

Hidden sugar in the processed food

sources of hidden sugar

Breakfast cereals
Salad dressings
Frozen vegetables
Canned soups
Dehydrated soups
Canned fruits

A large part of your daily sugar intake is hidden inside the processed foods you eat, many of which marketed as healthy

The American heart association limits the amount of added sugar to 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons to men per day

Breakfast cereals do contain varying amounts of sugar and children get used to a cereal with high sugar content.This promotes weight gain right from the childhood. 

Remember

Processed foods have become an integral part of our diet
more so in America. 

There is a lack of regulation by the authorities about the amount of sugar in these foods

Gradually they are becoming a part of Indian diet

How often and how much you consume these foods, will determine the risk (weight gain and diabetes)

In the long term this could result in weight gain. 
children quickly become used to the taste of these cereals and find healthier ones less palatable.
As far as possible, children should not be exposed to these processed foods


Read packaging labels

We should be aware about the hidden sugar in these processed foods and look for the amount of sugar on the packaging labels.

Remember that the word "sugar" is never mentioned on the label. There are different names for sugar and we are not familiar with them.

Different names of sugar

Glucose
Dextrose (another name for sugar)
Modified starch (It means dextrose)
Maltose (malt sugar)
Fructose (fruit sugar)
Lactose (milk sugar)
Molasses

Honey